Charlie wasn't surprised by the lab but that was because it looked like a normal lab. She did find Marty to be very entertaining. "How do you keep others from looking at the samples?"
"We respect each others' research. I also have labeled them in other words than what they truly are." Marty explained.
Charlie wasn't entirely sure what she was looking at but her scientific background was heavy on the computer science and light on the biology and chemistry. "So you have been treating each of these with different things?"
"Yeah," Kate said. "Caleb got cut up by one of them. I barely had him on the brink of death. He used a lot of my blood and that helped a lot. Taylor gave him some of his blood and that set off some kind of reaction. We used that information and studied how each of our blood samples reacted with the freak sample. It is a work in progress."
Dean stayed in the lab but didn't pay much attention. Sophia had gone back to England so the extent of his interest had been brought back down to non interest. He heard a few keywords and snapped back to the conversation that the others were having. "How did we get on time travel? I thought you were talking about the creatures."
Kate spun around on her stool. "Obviously, time travel has consequences. Older me does it to change things. I'm not at that point yet and I readily accept that. You went back to when I was little and nothing changed. That was an accident but it stands to reason that travel is possible if nothing changes."
Dean pulled a face.
"If her older self knows how to travel then that means she learned at some point. If we do trials starting at just a few seconds, we could figure out how the process works." Charlie said.
Dean looked at Marty. "Which one of them brought this up?"
Marty looked at Charlie.
Dean rolled up a thin lab manual and bopped Charlie on the head. "Away from the cliff, Charlie."
"I suggested trials. I didn't suggest using you as a test subject and throwing you back to random points in time." Charlie said.
Kate grinned. "That is a great idea though."
Dean stood up. "Alright, lab time is over. I'm not going to be a test subject."
Kate jumped up. "It is okay, Charlie. We don't need a lab to come up with ideas."
(Bobby's house)
Andy was back on a good track. He was worried about what his dad would say but although John was scary at times, he did not stay mad after a slate was wiped clean. None of them did but Andy didn't know John as well. Plus, he heard stories about Sam and Dean being kids. He liked having a big family. Before the ghost, there was Steven but he was not a good guy. He always had his mom and then Ian was born. That wasn't a very big family. After the ghost, he gained a dad and other family members that were kind of like aunts and uncles. He wouldn't go back to not having a family but it did not escape him that more family members meant more people making sure he didn't do anything bad. "Taylor, is this family really different from your other one?"
Taylor finished cleaning out the headlight compartment and poured glass bits into a trashcan. "Very different."
Andy handed Taylor a wet cloth that he pointed to. "I asked my dad one time but he said that was something you'd need to tell me because it was personal."
Taylor could go days without thinking of his 'other' family. After David died, he was able to let his guard down. "Uh, what are you wondering?"
"Why did John adopt you?" Andy asked.
Taylor removed the other headlight cover and cleaned it well. He made notes on the type of bulbs needed and the dimensions of the cover. "The man that I thought was my dad was mean. He, I guess, was a little like Steven but he hit me instead of just my mom. He made some bad choices. I started staying over here so I was safe. I found out that Jo's dad was my real dad. All of that is complicated. I got adopted after that."
Andy was sad that Taylor went through that. "Are things better now?"
"Of course," Taylor said. He started looking through spare parts that Bobby had in the shop.
Andy followed him. "Why do Sam and Dean make it sound like John isn't nice."
Taylor snorted. "I think, as kids, we get to grow up and pick on our parents for what they did. Just like they can pick on us. When Sam and Dean were your age, things were a lot different. He was more strict and not as forgiving. That didn't make him a bad parent. He was trying to keep them alive. He was alone. With me and Kate, he has help. Plus, we showed up once we were a little older so it isn't like raising a baby. He is still strict, as you know but he can afford to lighten up. He has help from Dean and Karen and Bobby. As the oldest or older siblings, you all get to try to convince your younger siblings that you had it far worse than they did. You'll understand one day."
Andy bumped into Taylor's back when he stopped. "Why would I want to make Ian think that?"
"You may not. You guys are far apart so, of course, Ian isn't going to get the same that you get right now. So, maybe when you are teenagers and he is complaining about chores, you can tell him you had a lot more at his age. That may be something to talk to Dean about. " Taylor found what he was looking for and replaced the bulb in the headlight. "There, we just need a new cover."
Andy felt better after having the light put back in. He didn't like breaking other people's stuff and didn't want John to not be able to drive his truck.
Taylor got a phone call and asked the person to hold on. "Andy, take this paper inside. Tell him that we got the bulb in. As Bobby if he has anything to fit these dimensions.'
Andy ran to the house as fast as he could. He briefly thought about Pony Express riders and had to remind himself to focus. Even if he wanted to pay attention at times, his mind decided to go other ways. His teacher wasn't a big fan of that.
Taylor hadn't cut all ties with Nate. They had just been on separate paths over the summer. He cleared his throat. "Alright, I'm back."
Bobby didn't have anything to replace the cover with but called the parts store in town and found out that they did. He wrote down the details and handed them off to John.
Taylor left his shoes at the door and went into the house. "Hey, dad."
"What is it?" John asked.
"Nate called me. He's doing football this year and he said the team's quarterback tore his rotator cuff and will be out the first few weeks. They are just practicing right now and still doing tryouts." Taylor said.
"When?" John asked.
"Uh, he's there now and told the coach I would come over. I know you are working on hunt stuff so I can wait for Dean to get back or take my bike."
John stood up. He looked Taylor up and down. "You had better get changed if you're going. I have to pick up a cover from town anyway."
Taylor grinned and sprinted up the stairs. He threw on another set of clothes and skipped a few stairs going down. "Ready!"
Ian was down for a nap so John reminded Andy to listen to Bobby. He got his keys out of his pocket and walked out to the truck. "Haven't you played football before?"
"Yeah, but I was in elementary school last time I was on a team. I don't think I'm going to do as well as Nate is hoping. Throwing a football is not the same as a baseball. I don't even know why I agreed. I don't have the time for practices and teams."
"Why not?" John asked.
"I've got other stuff to work on. I can't bum a ride off of Dean constantly." Taylor said, looking out the window.
"Let's get you to tryouts first and then discuss that."
(Dean and the girls)
"I don't know about you two but I am starving."
Kate shrugged. "I could eat."
Dean rubbed his hands together and grinned. "There is a new barbecue place that I have been told is good."
Charlie didn't think any form of meat would be deemed 'not good' by Dean. "Count me in."
The place was technically just a carnival food truck but it had raving reviews. Dean drove over and his mouth watered as soon as they got close enough to smell the food. They still needed to go on a barbecue-themed road trip.
The owners were from the deep south and had a deep accent that fascinated Kate. She tried to guess where they were from but she couldn't quite figure it out.
Dean ordered three of whatever they sold the most of.
The man behind the counter smiled. "You could probably eat one but those two girls should split the other."
Dean didn't know what that meant but was more than ready to find out. He paid the man and sent the girls to find a picnic table. He carried drinks to the table and returned for the foot. He was given two heavy food boxes and quickly returned to the table. He opened one of them and blinked.
Kate opened the other. "Good lord, where did they find potatoes that big?"
Dean could almost cry by how beautiful it was. It was a baked potato, about the size of a newborn, topped with shredded pork and sauce. Then it had cheese sauce, sour cream, and chives. No wonder the boxes were heavy. "I've never seen something so beautiful."
"Baby is going to be offended that you said that," Kate said as she handed Charlie a fork.
Charlie was unsure if she'd like the food, not thinking the mixture would taste good. She tentatively stuck her fork in the edge of the potato and tasted a bite.
Kate pulled her camera from her bag. She turned Dean's box around and got a photo of him with the potato. She planned to take another once he was done. She rolled her eyes. "That look of pride and amazement in his eyes... in only happens with food."
Charlie smiled. Dean could be gruff but he was also a giant goofball. "It is pretty good."
Dean worked on his food, fully understanding why the man said he might could eat one. He'd be making another stop or twelve before the summer was completely over.
Kate slapped the table. "Tennesee!"
Dean opened his eyes. "Huh?"
"We had barbecue like this in Tennessee," Kate said.
"The meat, yes. The rest of this deliciousness, no." Dean said.
Even between kate and Charlie, they only managed one-half of the potato before having to call it quits.
Dean managed to finish his but knew he couldn't eat another bite.
Kate got another photo of Dean and put her camera away. "We can take the other half home for tomorrow."
Dean threw the trash away and rubbed his hands on his pants. "I could do with a nap."
Kate groaned. "You have to drive us home."
Dean flicked her ear. "I think I can make it that far."
"We need a restaurant bucket list." Kate said with a yawn.
Charlie perked up. "There is a place on the way to Marie's house that sells gyros."
"What is that?" Dean asked.
Charlie waved him off. "You'll just have to wait and see."
Dean shut his car door. "See, Charlie, this is the kind of influence we need. We don't need time travel suggestions."
Kate narrowed her eyes. "You can't give everyone the cliff speech as soon as they meet me."
"Don't think I won't give Hannah the same speech. She knows but I may stamp it on your forehead." Dean said.
"You never complain when I heal you." Kate said.
"That isn't the same."
"So picky." Kate scoffed.
"You could go back in time and prevent the injury, thus erasing the pain." Charlie said.
Dean whipped his head around. "Cliff. Remember the cliff."
(John and Taylor)
Taylor got out of the truck and told John he would call once he was done.
John shut the truck off. "I wasn't leaving."
Taylor tilted his head. "Oh, I thought you were getting the cover for the headlight."
"I will. I'm going to stick around and watch tryouts." John said.
Taylor grinned. "Okay!" He ran to find Nate and introduced himself to the assistant coach.
John watched Taylor. He had been so timid and awkward not so long ago but John was noticing a change in his body language. He was still respectful to adults but he didn't worry with his hands or stammer.
Taylor joined in with the other guys. He was no stranger to tryouts so the running and drills didn't bother him. He did hold back so he didn't stand out like a sore thumb. If he didn't, he'd be at the end of the field before any of the other guys hit the 50-yard line. What his abilities didn't cover, early morning runs around the perimeter of Bobby's house did.
John caught Taylor looking his way more than once and was glad he decided to stay.
Nate had played sports with Taylor for years so they knew each other's moves. He also knew that Taylor had abilities. They could continue to work in sync as long as they both made it on the team. Taylor would because he could throw. Nate hoped that seeing them together would cement his own place on the team. Upperclassmen had priority for making it on the team and he and Taylor were just freshmen. If he could get his foot in the door that year, he would be set for the following years.
Taylor felt at home once he got the ball in his hands. He was glad they got to pick who they were paired with at first. He hoped that he could throw as straight as he could in baseball. He should have practiced before showing up. Nate, however, had been playing catch with Taylor for a long time. That gave him some wiggle room. They stepped to the side so they could put in a few test runs before having to show the coaches what they could do. Taylor ran back a few steps and flicked his elbow and wrist, sending the ball straight to Nate.
Nate's eyes widened as he realized how fast the ball was moving. He caught it and squinted his eyes. He ran over to Taylor and discretely showed him the inside of his arm.
Taylor grimaced. The tip of the football had hit Nate's bicep and there was a knot forming in the muscle. He healed the injury and apologized. "I'll just pull back a little bit."
Nate laughed. "Half strength man, you're going to take off someone's head."
Taylor waited for Nate to get back to where he was and threw the ball again. It was still an impressive throw but Nate's ribs and arms would remain intact.
John watched them throw the ball back and forth. Nate was an athletic kid but there was a clear difference. Taylor barely flicked his arm and sent the ball to its target. Nate had to put some muscle behind it. Nate was also more stocky than Taylor and likely had a decent future as a lineman. Taylor was tall and skinny. He was solid muscle and could take a hit but he didn't look the part. He didn't think having Taylor tackle people would be wise as he did have a massive advantage over an average kid. Taylor had self-control but could still snap someone in half.
Taylor ran over to get his water bottle from John. "How's it looking?"
John smiled. "Good. You might want to make it look like you're having to at least try to get the ball to move."
Taylor blushed. "I am trying. That first one left a nasty mark on Nate's arm."
"Is he going to be okay if the dream team gets split up?" John asked.
Taylor downed half of his water. "I asked him about that. His dad said tackling people would help his anger issues so I don't think he will be mad if we are put in different positions."
John nodded. He took the water bottle back and chuckled. "I'll go get more."
"Oh, I can," Taylor said, quickly.
"You go back out there. I'll get more water." John said.
Taylor ran back over to his group. They had been split between grades. He assumed, that if he made it, he'd be on junior varsity with all of the other ninth graders. He was fine with that. Although, the previous quarterback was varsity and they were looking to find someone to fill in for him. It would make sense to have someone fill that spot and then for him to take over the JV spot.
John got back to the benches just as Taylor and Nate got called out. He had no doubt that Taylor was a sure bet but he wanted to see how he did.
Taylor was asked to show how far he could throw. There was a series of tests to assess power, precision, and accuracy. It didn't matter how far someone could throw if they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Taylor threw once and turned to look at John. He forgot to watch the others to see how far they could throw. He didn't want to go overboard. He got a slight nod from John and continued on with the tests. He got to do a few moving drills and throw to Nate and then was dismissed.
The head coach didn't take part in tryouts. He preferred to stand back and watch how each kid performed. Then, he'd look at raw data. He was leaning on the fence in front of the benches. He turned around. "Is he yours?"
John cleared his throat. "The one in the red shorts?"
"Yes." The coach said. He held his hand out to shake Johns. "How old is he?"
"Turned 14 a few days ago."
The coach shook his head. "How long has he been playing."
John didn't want to answer too many questions and raise suspicion. "Honestly, I am not sure. He's mine but through adoption. His birth family was the ones that died in the explosion in town a while back."
That kept the coach from asking for more background information. He made a few notes. "Did you fill out the forms?"
"No. Taylor's friend asked him to come over here and we left the house. I haven't had time to fill those out."
The coach waved at a woman on one of the other benches and got a packet of forms for John. "Last name?"
"Winchester," John answered.
The coach nodded. He didn't say it but Taylor was one of the very few boys he didn't have to think about adding to the team. When a kid showed up and could throw like that, no further questions needed to be asked.
Taylor did his best to act winded and copied Nate. He could go for a few more hours but again, he didn't want to stand out. He ran over to John and told him they were free to go. "That was fun."
"Surely you'll need something to eat after all of that," John said. He had gotten a text from Dean singing the praises of the food truck.
"We can get the cover first," Taylor said.
John chuckled and put a hand on his shoulder. "Let me give these forms back."
Taylor felt great. He missed playing sports. He had just felt like they were frivolous when compared to what the family did behind the scenes.
John returned and clapped Taylor on the back. "Let's go."
(Bobby's house)
Dean and the girls got back to Bobby's and Dean took up a spot on the porch swing. He opened his eyes after a few minutes and saw Liam in the flower pot. "Weird ass cat."
Charlie and Kate went inside and up to Kate's room to rest. They could chat and rest their eyes.
Andy played fetch with Riot and stayed out of trouble. He felt a little more anxious as the day wore on. He saw Dean and slowly climbed the steps on the porch.
Dean sat forward. "Are you trying to sneak inside?"
"No. I wasn't sure if you were asleep." Andy said.
"No. I ate too much so I'm sunning myself." Dean said.
Andy gave Riot some water and stood next to the swing.
"What is on your mind?"
Andy sighed. "I got in trouble and I think my dad is going to be really mad at me."
Dean patted the swing beside him. "What did you do?"
Andy's face turned red. "John drove me and my brother here because my dad took my mom to the doctor. I left my airplane in the truck and asked if he could get it but he was busy with research. I got tired of waiting and tried to get it myself. I kinda took his keys and then fell and made the truck run into that car over there."
Dean sucked air through his teeth.
"The headlight broke and it had some dents," Andy said, studying his hands.
"Knowing my dad, I'm guessing he had something to say about that," Dean said.
Andy frowned. "Do you think since I already got a spankin' that my dad won't give me one too?"
Dean leaned back and rocked the swing. "I don't know."
Andy slumped. "He said I'd get whacked with the stupid ruler if I got in trouble here."
"Then I'd say you can expect to get whacked with that ruler," Dean said.
"Why can't I just not?"
"Well, did you get in trouble while you were over here?" Dean asked.
Andy nodded. He sat forward suddenly. "He was probably thinking if Bobby had to do something, not John. John doesn't go easy on a kid."
Dean snorted. "No, he doesn't. However, I don't think your dad would make a threat and not abide by it. I don't think it will be too bad."
Andy was hoping Dean would tell him that his dad wouldn't keep that promise. "Oh."
"Do you know how many times I got in trouble with Bobby and then my dad came home to double up on that? It was always worse the second time around because, as you said, he doesn't go easy on a kid. I can say, your dad isn't going to double up on what you got." Dean reassured him.
Andy sighed deeply. He furrowed his brows and frowned. "He smacked Ian too."
"I don't think Ian will get extra sense he is so little and his memory isn't that good," Dean said.
"No but he's just a baby and your dad smacked him!" Andy said.
Dean was amused by Andy's reaction. "What was he doing?"
Andy shrugged. "Throwin' a fit."
"Did he get smacked a lot or just once?" Dean asked.
Andy scrunched his nose. "Two whole times."
"Then I'd say he is perfectly fine. Save your worry for when he is four or five and decides to run off in the store and hide in the clothes racks." Dean said.
Andy gasped.
Dean nodded. "Yep. Sammy did that. It is never fun knowing your little brother is in trouble but your dad knows that. He is still little right now so you can know that if he does get in trouble, it won't be like when you do. One day he will get really annoying and you will wish he got in as much trouble as you do."
"I got annoyed with him throwing sticks at me," Andy said.
"Little brothers suck big time but you have to love them," Dean said, gently.
Andy shuffled his feet. "I have another problem that I think you will know what to do better than my dad."
Dean could only guess what kind of problem that would be. "Tell me about it."
Andy looked out over the porch. "I go to the park a lot. Sometimes I go with my mom and dad or with Owen. Anyway, some kids go to my school. There's a girl named Kayla that likes me."
Dean nodded. "That doesn't sound like a problem."
"Well, a girl named Emma does too!" Andy said. "Then Owen said Callie did and I don't know what to do. I'm not really old enough to date one girl. I can't date three."
"I don't think it is called dating at your age." Dean said.
"We don't go nowhere but you know they expect flowers and stickers and stuff. I don't even want a girlfriend but Emma said I was her boyfriend. Then Kayla said the same thing. What do I do?"
Dean hid a chuckle at Andy's distress. "Uh, which one do you like?"
"None of 'em!" Andy said. "I just want to play at the park."
Dean nodded. "Why is it that you thought I would have an answer for this?"
Andy bit his lip. "I was talking to Taylor about dads and he said I should talk to you about them. Then, I told him about the girls and he said you have had to deal with more than one girlfriend at one time."
Dean blinked slowly. "He did?"
"Yeah. He said girl though. Maybe not a girlfriend." Andy said.
Dean put his hands on his knees. "Oh Taylor and I are going to have to talk about this." He narrowed his eyes. Smartass kid. "If you don't want a girlfriend, you can tell them that. They may get mad but you can tell them you have a baby brother and a new baby sister coming and have to give all your attention to them. Girl's like a man who cares about babies."
Andy got off the swing. "Okay, I'll tell them that."
Dean called Taylor. "You're dead to me."
Taylor gasped. "Why?"
"Did you tell Andy to talk to me about his multiple girlfriend problems, claiming that I have experience with that as well?" Dean asked.
Taylor smirked. "I told him you had gotten into hot water for being with multiple girls at the same time."
Dean cracked his knuckles. "Your ass is grass, dude."
John shook his head. Taylor wasn't too far from the truth.
Dean hung up the phone and went inside. He didn't know what time they'd be back so he needed to think quickly to form the best plan to get Taylor back for being a pain in the ass. He looked toward the stairs. He needed backup.
(Caleb and April)
Caleb was frustrated with both of his boys. He was embarrassed and hoped that John wasn't thinking he was a bad parent. Maybe he was. He respected John, as he was a second father to Caleb. He also knew John was more strict than he was. John saying they should talk was ambiguous. Was John going to chew him out? Was he going to suggest that he didn't know what he was doing?
April watched Caleb go through his emotions. "They weren't good, I'm taking it."
Caleb sighed. "Ian was being a terror so John swatted him. He said he had to do it twice." He rubbed his face. "Andy got impatient and decided to take his keys and get into the truck. He must have knocked it into neutral because it rolled, with him in it, into one of those cars by the shop."
April was horrified.
"He said that Ian calmed down and Andy is fine," Caleb said.
"Ian is not even two yet," April said.
"I doubt he did more than startle him," Caleb said.
April was released from urgent care after her levels evened out.
Caleb drove to Bobby's house, unsure what he was going to say to Andy or to John. He was worried about April and wanted the evening to go well.
John got back to the house with Taylor a bit before Caleb did.
Taylor spotted Dean on the porch. He gave him an awkward grin. He widened his eyes. "Dad... dad... you wanna say something to him?"
John shook his head. "I'm sure the two of you can work that out."
Taylor jumped out of the truck. "Hey, Dean. Don't look at me like that. Why are you so angry? Dean. Dean?"
John got a good chuckle from the scream that came out of Taylor's mouth. "Don't kill him, Dean, I think the high school football team is counting on him."
Dean stopped for a moment. "Football huh? I won't kill him. I make no other promises."
Kate asked Charlie to think about her parents and got a good idea of what they looked like.
Charlie watched her sketch their faces in her notebook. "You are fast."
"I love to draw. Give me a bit and I'll have a rough draft." Kate said.
Charlie flopped back on Kate's bed. "I miss them a lot."
Kate stopped drawing. "My mom died when I was a baby. I miss her but didn't know her. It was harder with my dad."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't complain. Mine died instantly." Charlie said.
"You can still hurt and miss them. You didn't get a chance to say goodbye. My dad's mind went before he did. He was scared. I got to say goodbye though. He didn't suffer physically. I made sure he went peacefully. I don't think there is ever a truly peaceful way to die. I mean, people can make their peace with it but it hurts for those left behind." Kate said.
"You're immortal though," Charlie said despondently.
"No, I'm not. Eventually, I'll run out of lives. I don't know what would kill me or how I would stay dead. That isn't something I care to test out. The word on the streets is that each time I die and come back, I lose part of my soul." Kate said.
"Wow, that is dark," Charlie said. She had thought more about her parents since she found out that Kate and Taylor had been to heaven. She knew that she couldn't get her parents back. Karen was a very special case. She knew she couldn't visit them if they were in heaven but she wished she knew if they were there.
Kate let Millie into her lap. "Tell me more about your mom and dead. Sometimes the drawings are more accurate when I know who they were."
Caleb helped April into the house although she swore she could walk without help. He didn't want her getting woozy again.
Karen took over with April so that Caleb could talk to John.
Caleb found John and waited for John to talk. He felt like he was 15 again and waiting for a lecture that only John Winchester could dish out.
John tilted his head toward the door. "We should talk outside."
Caleb followed him. "I'm sorry that Andy messed with your truck. He knows better."
John didn't reply until he found a comfortable and private spot. "He and I had a talk about it."
Caleb sighed. "You shouldn't have had to."
John recognized Caleb's posture and downcast eyes. "I didn't bring you out here to lecture you."
Caleb met eyes with John. "Well, both of my boys caused issues today."
John snorted. "Do you think there was a day when both of mine didn't? Hell, look at Taylor and Kate."
Caleb chuckled. "It is different when it is your own though."
"The stories aren't as funny when you're the parent," John said with a smirk.
Caleb rubbed his head. "No, they aren't."
"I raised two boys. I understand. Admittedly I was a hardass and should have been around more. You are doing better than I ever did with that. You're scared of turning out like me and your dad." John said.
Caleb stammered. "Now, I wouldn't say that."
"You can. I made mistakes. You aren't like us though. You are good at listening to what Andy has to say. You are trying to do right by them. Andy listens to you. He is seven and is going to do a lot of really dumb things. That is what seven-year-old boys do. He needs to understand that he has to listen to other people besides you. He is a good kid. He just forgets how to mind when you aren't here. Ian is something else." John said.
"Ian will be two soon." Caleb said.
"He will. Sam threw tantrums but nothing like the ones that Ian throws. Kids are all different. Ian isn't an average kid, just like Kate and Taylor aren't." John added.
Caleb looked toward the house for a moment. "He has that bracelet on so he can't use abilities."
"He may not be able to right now but it may also not block everything. If he bites Kate or Taylor, they burn."
"I don't know what to do." Caleb admitted.
"Well, I can't tell you what to do. You are a better dad than I was with Sam and Dean. You aren't going to turn into me or your own dad. Andy does need to understand that he should be respectful to other people when you aren't around. Most of the time he is, but a lot of his bad decisions are made on the premise that your back is turned. Don't think I don't realize that my kids don't do the same damn thing. Hell, you did that." John said.
Caleb grimaced.
"You are like another son to me. I'm not blaming you for their behavior but I think you need to take a step back. Andy is just testing limits. Ian is a toddler and toddlers can be assholes. I think he understands more than you think he does, though. He is either a very smart two-year-old or his nature causes him to be a bit quicker than your average kid."
Caleb smiled. "Like Kate."
John blew air through his nose. "Exactly. Especially right now since she is gaining abilities so quickly. She wouldn't intend to hurt someone but she easily could if she got angry and couldn't control herself. I see that in Ian. What happens when he is in elementary school and someone pushes him down? Maybe he will push back but if that bracelet fails..."
Caleb nodded. "What is it that people say about second-born children?"
John pinched the bridge of his nose. "The fourth is worse."
Caleb walked with John to the house and checked on April. He called Andy into the kitchen so they could talk without everyone around.
Andy followed him, although slowly.
Caleb sat down in one of the chairs. "John told me what happened."
Andy frowned.
"Can you tell me what you did wrong?" Caleb asked.
Andy sighed. "I took his keys and got in his truck after he told me to wait. I accidentally moved it and it hit another car."
Caleb nodded. "What did I tell you would happen if you got into trouble over here?"
Andy's eyes grew wide. "You told me I'd get swatted with Bobby's stupid evil ruler thing." He clamped his hand over his mouth.
Caleb held his hand up. "I take it you talked to Dean."
"Uh-huh, that was his name for it, dad. I didn't mean it!" Andy said.
"I know. Dean has a lot of names for a lot of things that you probably shouldn't repeat. I did tell you that you would get swats with it though." Caleb said.
Andy gave him puppy eyes. "But John already pretty much killed me."
Caleb shook his head. "I told you what would happen and you chose not to listen."
Andy slumped. "I'm sorry."
Caleb grabbed the 'stupid evil ruler thing' from the top of the refrigerator and sat back down. "Since I know John did a good job of getting through that thick skull of yours, you'll get two. If this happens again you'll get four. Do you understand?"
Andy nodded.
Caleb took his arm and turned him to the side. He smacked him twice across his sit spots and put the ruler back.
Andy yelped and threw his hands back to rub.
Caleb sat back down and pulled him into a hug. "I love you. I'm so glad you didn't get hurt."
Andy whimpered. "I got hurt."
Caleb kissed his forehead. "You know what I mean."
John had something to do outside but went inside once he was done. The house was almost peaceful although packed with people. Ian gave him a side-eye but he ignored it.
Kate helped April and got her back on her feet. "I'll talk to Marty about blood tests. I don't want to do anything that could hurt you or Lauren."
Everyone wound up on the porch to chat before Caleb and April went home. The sun was sinking lower and the sky was a beautiful mix of reds and pinks.
Kate sat on the railing of the porch with Millie in her lap. Liam was in his flowerpot lazily swatting moths as they flew by.
John and Bobby were still scouring papers to find out more about the creature that John was after. "Dean, go get my journal from my truck."
Dean got up and made his way over to the truck. He opened the door and looked for the journal but didn't see it. He felt something touch his shoe and jumped. He quickly stepped back. "Son of a bitch!" He freaked out for two seconds before bending to pick up the thing that ran at him. He shut the truck door and carried it back to the house. "Alright, which one of you thought this was funny?"
Kate saw the stuffed skunk in his hand and fell off the railing when he threw it at her. She laughed. "Hey, it wasn't me!"
Dean turned to Taylor and raised an eyebrow. "Taylor?"
Taylor held his hands up. "Not me."
Kate looked behind Dean and started laughing harder.
Dean whipped his head around, seeing the end of a piece of fishing line in John's hand. "Dad?"
John was too tickled to answer.
Dean threw the skunk at John. "I expected this from those two delinquents but my own father?" He caught the look on Bobby's face. "Bobby, not you too!"
Taylor gained composure. "I saw him buy it earlier but it wasn't my idea."
Dean cracked his knuckles. "And you didn't warn me?"
Taylor slowly backed away. "That isn't my job."
Dean scoffed. "I already dealt with you once today."
Taylor rubbed the raw spot on his face where he had to scrub permanent marker off of his skin. "It was dad's idea!"
Dean looked back at John and then at Taylor. He smirked. "Well someone is getting their ass kicked and I'm not dumb enough to try to kick dad's. Your's however, is fair game."
John chuckled. He squeezed the stuffed skunk and it squeaked. He tossed it for Riot and rubbed his face. His cheeks hurt from fighting a grin.
"That was hilarious," Kate said.
John leaned back in his chair. "There is a second one but you'll have to give him a while to recover from this one."
Caleb picked Ian up. He smiled. "One day Dean might find the backbone to turn the tables on you."
John snorted. "No, he won't."
